Widespread backlash to Trump’s proposal to forcibly remove 1.8 million Palestinians from Gaza

(MENAFN) After widespread backlash to President Donald Trump’s proposal to forcibly remove 1.8 million Palestinians from Gaza, U.S. officials sought to clarify and distance themselves from his statements. The plan, which trump described as turning Gaza into an American territory, was met with fierce international and domestic criticism, prompting a retreat from the administration. In response to questions during a visit to Guatemala, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that Palestinians could "return" to Gaza after its reconstruction—contradicting Trump’s earlier statements. Meanwhile, White House press secretary Caroline Levitt downplayed the possibility of U.S. troops being sent to Gaza and attempted to clarify that the U.S. would not fund Gaza’s reconstruction. She also tried to reframe Trump’s remarks as part of his broader vision for lasting peace in the region.

Despite these reassurances, Trump’s description of Gaza’s destruction as a result of a 15-month war between two equally armed sides was criticized, with many pointing out that the damage was caused by Israel's military operations, fully supported by the U.S. Levitt also indicated that Palestinians would only be temporarily relocated to other countries, even though Trump had previously suggested their resettlement could be permanent. In a private meeting with Republican senators, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Whitkoff echoed Levitt’s comments, stating that Trump did not plan to deploy troops or spend U.S. funds in Gaza. However, some senators expressed confusion over Trump’s statements, with Missouri Senator Josh Hawley noting that he may have misunderstood the president’s intentions. Trump later declined to answer further questions about the situation.

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